Automobile signal switch



J. L. DROHEN AUTOMOBILE- SIGNAL swnca Dec. 14, 192s. 1,611,109

Filed Nov. '7, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jmesrakem l Dec. 14 1926. 1,611,109

` J. L.. DROHEN AUTOMOBILE 'SIGNAL SWITCH Filed Nov. '7, 1925 2 Sl'xee'cs-Sheel 2 WITNESS:

lfl, 1026,

Lelhli) Ji'aMES L. BROKEN, GF i2-Li eren,

Application lec'i November rllliis invention relates to automobile signais, and more particularly to the means for operatingthe signals.

It is the purpose of this invention to provi=e a sui-tch. to control a plurality of electrically operated si gnals, in a manner 1Wherehy the signals can he selectively operated and to arrange the switch in a position with relation to the foot of the operator of the vehicle, so that the signals can he actuated hy the heel of the operator.

Other objects and advantages of the invention Will appear when the following detailed description is read in connection with the accompanying drawings7 the invention residing` in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

ln the drawings forming` part of this application7 like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, and wherein Figure l is a View in elevation of the foot operated switch.

Figure E2 is a View looking at the opposite eine of Figure i.

Figure' 3 is a sectional View through the vfloor hoard of the Vehicle showing the manner of maintaining the switch on one of the control pedals of the vehicle.

Figure el is a diagrammatic View.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional yew through the switch.

Figure 6 is a sectional View through one of the switch elements.

My improved switch is parti aiiiapted for use for controlling.;` signals on iriotor vehicles which are generally indicated hy numerals l0, ll7 12, 13 and le respec tively. lne switch includes a lined contact lf3 and a movable Contact for each circuit, and these movable contacts are indicated i8, and i9 respectively.

The switch embodies a supporting plate or member 2O which includes an attaching` portion 2i, and the latter is adapted to be secured to one of the control pedals 22 of the Vehicle in any suitable manner7 such as for instance hy means of fastening` elements 23, the supper. ini;- member 2O consequently depends from the control penal 22 and has its lower portion enlarged and slightly oil'set as Shown in Figure 5. It is this portion of the supporting plate that carries the various switch mechanism, each of the movable switch elements 1oeing preferably in the nature of push buttons as illustrated. The

7, 192.3. Serial No.

fixed contacts alioi'c refeiued to are carried DY il curved 2i which snow-rte tlie' hindini; post with which the raridus Wires 25 of the supports are terminally connected. Arranged upon one side of the supportinu` ineinher 2O is a. guard plate 26 having an area substantially equal to that ofy the lower portion of said su pporting meinlfxer and overlying the -various push buttons movaole switch elements l?, 18 and if) respectively. This guard plate is slit at spaced points as at 27, and the separated l ortions provide resilient tongues. 'filiere is one of tlies tongue." indicated at 28 for movable switch element7 the tongue overlying said element and adopted to he depressed in order to actuate said e ill he readily understood. l c t of the operator of tl'ie Vehicle u; the pedal 22, the

ahorre the guard plateand the heel can lie shifted laters.lli-y7 into proper relation with any particular switch element.; so that the latter can he actuated to close the circuit to the signals to he operated. lt will he, noted upon inspection of tlligure 3, that the guard plate 26 is further provided with yieldahle or resilient tongues 29 Which lill the space between the tongues 28 to provide a smooth surface. @if course the heel of the operator can loe shifted, and the tongues can he depressed with a; one of the tongues QS to close a particular circuit, and therefor provide a broader hearing surface for the heel when it is desired to operate the signals'. Obviously hy reason of this construction and arrangement of parts, the drivin-Jr of the vehicle can operate the right turn sion-als or the leftturn size rnals, or the s' Ip s the occasion niay require by simply depressing the heel of the .toot roposingr upon the control pedal Q2, and thus maintain both hands on the steering).` u" eel of the vehicle and also give his undivided attention to the guidance of the Vehicle under all circumstances. It is of course to he understood that the various circuits can he closed hy depressing; the heel simultaneously With the op ration of the clutch pedal 22, and independently of any movement thereof.

1Whi e it is believed that from the forego ine; description7 the nature and advantages j. .f 'll T oi the invention will he reaciiiy apparent. i. desire to have it understood that l do not limit myself to what is herein shown and described, and that such changes may he re- Sii A e l of *die @luis desei'ibed including u siz'ppoimg plate, :L i'ausveise attaching' oiion ai; one end, un enlL 1 'l D iihe otuei end, a euiveu bai' mounted upon the enlarged portion, a plu'allty ol lured coiiaes Caiuied by the bal', a guard plaie zurongecl over the enlarge( potlon, Said guard plate keine? slit iansyerely ut spaced pointS 'to piio e yielclable tongueS, i'uomble Couaes Carried by Jhe bui' and dsposeil beneath lie tongues in C-fmosed relation willi the s-'eatlonay contacs whereby imvui'fl pres- Suie ol" lie yieldable Lougi'es will Cause said yielclable coiimcs to be moved iio ment with a stationary commet s and for the pupose Speciecl.

ln testimony whereof l ahi); my signature.

JAMES L. DEGREE. 

